Ballymoney Council join 'Cycle to Work' scheme

BALLYMONEY councillors are set to 'get on their bike' after the local Council agreed to join a 'Cycle to Work' scheme.

Under the new initiative Ballymoney Borough Council aim to encourage staff and elected members to purchase, under a payback scheme, and use bicycles for work related journeys. They will also install five cycle racks at a cost of 49.95 at four main locations, Riada House, Ballymoney Town Hall, Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre and the Knock Road Depot.

At a recent Health and Environmental Services Committee meeting, the matter of registering with the Cycle Scheme was deferred for 'further consideration'. However last Monday, members agreed to register with the scheme.

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The report explained: 'Discussion has previously taken in the implementation of a 'Cycle to Work' scheme. It has been confirmed that anyone linked to PAYE is eligible to avail of these incentives including elected members.

'The scheme if approved would only be open to employees and elected members.

'In order to facilitate the schemes administration, it is proposed that it would only be open for a defined period (four weeks) with a call for an expression of interest prior to the agreed date.

'Individuals taking up the offer of the scheme will be able to purchase a bike and approved accessories (which will be defined) up to a maximum of 1,000 with a payback period of 12 months from the date of commencement.

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'The scheme will be managed internally with the costs absorbed within current budgets. A pre-paid contract and contract and salary sacrifice agreement similar to employee financial assistance packages for the purchase of vehicles is proposed.'

Regarding the issue of storage, the report added: 'Secure storage of bicycles has been identified at each of the Council's four main locations, Riada House, the Town Hall, Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre and Knock Road Depot.

'The provision and fitting of cycle racks (five cycle rack at 49.95) has been sourced and could be acquired from within existing budgets.

'It is recommended that Ballymoney Borough Council register with cycle scheme and promotes the scheme throughout the organisation, encouraging staff and elected members to purchase and subsequently use bicycles for work related journeys on the basis of the proposal.'

It was proposed by Cllr John Finlay and seconded by Cllr Tom McKeown that the scheme be introduced and operated in conjunction with Outdoor Life.